Scientific Name: Naregamia alata
English Name: Goanese ipecac, goanese ipecacuanh
Malayalam Name: Nilanarakam(നിലനാരകം)
Location of the plant: Eravimangalam
Conservation status: Endangered
General features: Woody undershrub with shiny leaves. Leaves are alternate which are divided into three leaflets with winged petioles. The flower is bisexual with 5 white petals. It has a long capitate stigma and the staminal tube is inflated at the top with 10 yellow teeth at the margin and the tube is white in color.
Significance: All parts of Naregamia alata are used in ayurvedic medicines. It is used in many folk treatments. Juice of this plant is used for liver ailments, diabetes, and psoriasis. It is also used in anemia, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, etc. The root bark contains the alkaloid naregamin.

Text and Illustration: Febin Joseph